God Calls Us

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

 The place where God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet. Fredrick Buechner 

We search the world for meaning, for purpose, for reasons. When the world does not offer sufficient answers, we blame God; surely He must have forgotten us. If we pray to God for meaning or purpose or reasons, and He does not respond as we expect, we doubt that God is even listening. We crave more and more of the world's tokens, collecting trophies of greed and pride and beauty but remaining empty. And still, God calls to us and seeks us, wherever we are. God has a designed purpose for each of us, a place to serve. God abides with us, in all times, whether we acknowledge Him or not. Perhaps it is we who have forgotten; it we who are not listening.

I remind you, my dear children: Your sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name... And a second reminder, dear children: You know the Father from personal experience... Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him.   1 John 2:12-16 The Message  

In a deepening relationship with God, our wants change. When responding to the Father's love, we begin to develop more compassion, quiet humility, and sincere love. Letting God's purposes fill our heart and mind and soul, we can know His presence. We find deep gladness.

READ 1 John 2:12-17 

consider this!

- When your deep gladness in God merges with the world's deep hunger, what happens?

- How does a growing personal relationship with God change my wants?

- What are my cravings?

Living Word, remain in my heart, guide my thoughts, abide with me always. Forgive me when I ignore You. How often do I stand at the corner of Want and More, uncertain and unsure? Yet You forgive my selfish ways, call me to a place of deep gladness. Take away my cravings for the world and replace them with cravings for You. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

For more information about this ministry visit ~

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Loving One Another

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

I live and love in God's peculiar light. Michelangelo 

"To love one another" is to walk in the Light! While we cannot explain God, by faith we demonstrate His love when we love others. Christian love is choosing to treat others with respect, with or without feelings of affection. To say we live in God's light and act with contradiction - with envy or jealousy, anger or criticism, pride or arrogance - we are not being truthful. When our actions offer compassion, peace, joy, humility, and generosity, we are living and loving in God's peculiar light.

...This commandment - to love one another - is the same message you have heard before. Yet it is also new. This commandment is true in Christ and is true among you, because the darkness is disappearing and the true light is already shining. 1 John 2:7-8 NLT 

When we seek deeper, more intimate relationships, love must be present. Without this component, there is no evidence of a meaningful relationship with God or between us and another. As we grow spiritually, our love becomes an outward manifestation of our inward beliefs. By sending Christ as His love offering, God teaches us how to love by example, by loving us more than we can even understand love.

READ 1 John 2:7-11

consider this!

- How can the message to 'love one another' be both old and new?
- How does a Christian wander in spiritual darkness?
- How do you love?

Holy One - You love me more than words; You call me to love others. The world tells me to love myself most but does not love me at all. The contrast of light and darkness shouts! Jesus, the True Light, guide me through this dark world. Help me grow my love in You. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

Grace-Full

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

The fullness of our heart is expressed in our eyes, in our touch, in what we write, in what we say, in the way we walk, the way we receive, the way we need. Mother Teresa

We find in Christ the One who speaks our needs to the Father, the One who pleads our case, the One who intercedes for us. Christ is the sacrifice for our sins, the One with whom we are to become intimately connected, the One we are to reflect in our living. Our actions evidence our heart and define our relationship with Christ.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2 

Many translations use the word propitiation in place of atoning sacrifice. It is just another word that describes atonement or forgiveness; it is GRACE! In the Old Testament, the blood of sacrificial lamb is offered for the forgiveness of sin. Jesus has become the sacrificial lamb, the perfect, unblemished lamb. The offering becomes our salvation. Christ is the very essence of amazing grace. Only through Him can we be made righteous.

READ 1 John 2:1-6

consider this!

- In God's Court, Satan is our Accuser, and Jesus is our Defender. What evidence dies Satan have to convict you? Remember - he is seeking the death penalty!

- When you stand before God, what evidence will Jesus have to present on your behalf?

- What will your verdict be? Eternal death or eternal life? What is the cost? Who paid?

Jesus, You are more than an Advocate, You are the Offering. I cannot live the truth of Your righteousness without Your suffering sacrifice. Teach me to become more and more like You. Amen - dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

Ash Wednesday - Living What We Claim

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

It's tough in the desert. It's bewildering. It's destructive. It's hellish. Yet the testimony of the Old Testament, and ever more strongly, of the New, is that out of it comes new growth, new insight, new certainty that a God of love is a home among us. Charles Elliott 

This is the day Christians around the world come to His altar to receive the mark of a sinner. It symbolically reminds us that God alone is Sovereign; God alone is Grace. Humanity will never find salvation or peace or eternity without Jesus Christ. It is His forgiveness we need, His presence we seek, His love we offer. Today begins a journey of renewal, a time to reflect on our own individual faith-walk.

If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we’re obviously lying through our teeth—we’re not living what we claim. But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges all our sin.  1 John 1:6-7 The Message

READ 1 John 1:1-10

consider this!
- Where does "this Light" originate?
- If believers are forgiven, why do we still stand before God marked as a sinner?
- Does my living what I claim reflect Jesus?

Light of the World ~ You have come that I might love. I am a sinner, but You are Grace. I confess You are Absolute Truth. Dress me in righteousness, forgiven and redeemed. May my words of living reflect the Word of Life. Amen. - dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

For more information about this ministry visit ~

MangroveMinistries.org

LIKE Mangrove Ministries on Facebook

Deus caritas est! God is Love!

Lenten Season 2017 – Deus caritas est! God is Love!

Beginning this week on Ash Wednesday March 1, 2017 and throughout the Easter season, you can read daily devotions on my blog. You can also sign-up to receive emails each day at Breathing Room For My Soul if you are not currently getting emails. Join me as we reflect and renew our personal relationship with Jesus. Please share this with your friends. The devotions will also be available on Facebook and Twitter @soulchat. 

This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son                               

as a sacrifice to take away our sins. (1 John 4:10)

This year the readings will explore God’s Perfect Love and include topics like “Love One Another”, “The Righteousness of Christ”, “Fellowship Defined”, “Too Full”, and “God’s Testimony” to name a few. Each Sunday we will look at our Oneness in Christ, with topics such as, the “Live Deeply in Christ”, “Living as Christ”, the “Christ Living Through Us” and more.  When we encounter Jesus Christ, this Perfect Love speaks our needs to the Father, brings light into the darkness, and teaches us how to love each other. Let’s take this journey together as we choose this holy love defined by Christ. Deus caritas est! ~ Donna Oswalt

Want other options? You can order my Lenten devotional book, Kindled Soul, Holy Fire from Amazon.com  which has daily devotions from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday! Order now for yourself and some for your friends!!

Power to Change the World - Living the Gospel Series

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16-17

From prison in Rome, Paul writes to the church in Colosse, a young congregation likely not more than five to six years old. The conflicts then in Colosse are the same here today. Humanity's rules and customs and lack of religious beliefs clash with the true gospel message of grace through Jesus Christ. The endless sources of media flood our minds and home daily with excuses to ignore God's message, with rhetoric to diminish God, with threats to marginalize Christianity. Paul's words that Christ is "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15) exceeds logic and scientific explanation. Although we are not imprisioned in Rome, we find ourselves surrounded by darkness that desires to take us captive

Instead of constantly engaging in verbal retaliation of what's wrong with the world's message, maybe the better approach would be to simply share the majesty and wonder of our God. By allowing the Gospel message to thrive in our lives, we become living testimonies of God's love and compassion, of Christ's humility and grace to those within our spheres of influence. Deep faith, especially in crsis, reveals the magnitude and power of God. Lives full with hope, even in times of difficulty, speak loudly of the God who dwells in us. An attitude of love toward others, whether we agree or disagree, becomes the righteous fruit of worshiping a holy and sovereign God. In his letters, Paul frequently utilizes the themes of faith, hope, and love distinguishing them as "gifts from God". He writes, "Above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." (Colossians 3:14 NKJV) David Jeremiah calls this bond with Perfect Love the "power to change the world." Love within this bond of perfection becomes the living, true Gospel. - dho

Worthy of Worship - Living the Gospel Series

The Cross is a Reality, not a symbol - at the wall of the world stands God with His arms outstretched. Oswald Chambers

Some scholars refer to this passage of Scripture (Colossians 1:15-20) as the "most developed reflection of Christ's divinity in the New Testament". Others call this section Paul's doxology to the "grandeur and glory of Jesus Christ". Many believe Paul may have been giving this as a hymn for the early Christian church. During the first century in the Colossian church, various opponents question the deity and divinity of Christ. Paul intentionally brings the focus back to Christ as Sovereign and Savior. Christ is the grace that rescues us from the control of darkness and transfers us into His kingdom of love.

In purchasing our freedom on the cross, Christ's forgiveness of sins fulfills the Old Testament's true gospel message and reconciles us to the Father. Christ reigns as Creator and Redeemer, Spiritual Ruler and Sustainer. Even now, Believers in Christ intentionally share the true gospel message with praise and worship. This ministry of reconciliation invites others to know the peace and joy of a relationship with Jesus Christ, invites others to worship the true and living Son of God. These worship words in Colossians should define our hearts as we live for Christ! - dho

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.

    He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,

for through him God created everything

    in the heavenly realms and on earth.

He made the things we can see

    and the things we can’t see—

such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.

    Everything was created through him and for him.

 

He existed before anything else,

    and he holds all creation together.

Christ is also the head of the church,

    which is his body.

He is the beginning,

    supreme over all who rise from the dead.

    So he is first in everything.

 

For God in all his fullness

    was pleased to live in Christ,

and through him God reconciled

    everything to himself.

He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth

    by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

 Colossians 1:15-20 NLT 

Live Worthy - Living the Gospel Series

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Colossians 1:10 NKJV

As Paul writes to the church at Colosse, he confronts the "religious counterfeits" that surround and challenge their beliefs. In verse 10, "walk" is the Greek word peripateo meaning "how to walk" and  translates to "walk with devotion to God". Often this word is used like the Hebrew word halakhah which suggests a behavior or more literally "live". We are to "live" our lives in a manner worthy of the Lord.

The question of where to live and what to do is really insignificant compared to the question of how to keep the eyes of my heart focused on God.  Henri Nouwen

Today, we encounter the same spiritual counterfeits. When considering how to live the Gospel, our hearts must first be focused on God. Without God, even times of abundance will reveal a poverty of spirit within us. Putting God first transforms our hearts so that even in times of material emptiness, the soul experiences spiritual contentment. We are to live the Gospel, no matter our circumstances; we are to live as Christ to others. - dho

Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours; yours are the eyes through which He looks with compassion on the world, yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good, and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.  St. Teresa of Avila

Influences of the World - Living the Gospel Series

 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:9-12   

Colosse, a Roman-controlled province of Asia Minor, geographically rests 120 miles East of Ephesus on a great trade route. In its early days, around 400 BC, Colosse reigns as a major city for textiles and trade. Known for dyed material and soft wool, with its strategic location and successful wool industry, the city thrives. By the time Paul writes to the Colossian church, new growth in nearby cites has altered its once prosperous status to a less than important "market town". The citizens of Colossa and the church are being influenced by a variety of cultural and philosophical beliefs systems. They are discouraged and confused by the chaos, a true characteristic of Satan.  

"God's love mysteriously satisfies God's justice... [His] love will ultimately prevail to mend the world and bring God's purposes to full fruit." Richard Foster

Paul writes that we have not stopped praying for you and reminds this community of believers that knowledge and wisdom comes through the Holy Spirit. Along with some false teachings and pagan religious practices in Colosse, these young Christians are being influenced by Greek philosophies, the occult, and "worship of angels". Paul reassures them living a worthy life pleases God, and that in God they will find all the knowledge and wisdom and strength necessary for fruit-full living. Today, we are surrounded by the same distractions, leaving us disillusioned and often disappointed. As believers in Christ, God provides all we need and expects us to press on with endurance and patience and thanksgiving to Him. We are called to bear fruit in all our good works, giving all glory to the Father. So, with each deed, we should ask ourselves if we are trying to appease humanity or please God. Whose approval do we really seek? - dho

Bearing Fruit and Growing - Living the Gospel Series

In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing 

throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you 

since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.

Colossians 1:6 NIV

As Paul writes this letter to the church in Colosse some thirty years after the resurrection of Christ, first century Christianity continues to spread despite controversy and conflict for these new believers. The Colossian church, a church plant resulting from Paul's ministry in Ephesus, struggles with some false teachings within the fellowship. His letter comes with encouragement and affirmation to these young Christians, reminding them that their hope is in Christ, that the truth of Christ is sufficient. Paul is reminding them they are called to proclaim the true gospel message to every person.

We need men and women saturated with the truth of God who can re-state the old truth in terms that appeal to our day.         Oswald Chambers

The Greek translation of verse six is literally, the gospel "in all the world has been bearing fruit and growing as it is among you." Perhaps this seems an exaggeration by Paul; however, in slightly more than thirty years, the gospel message "had already spread from Jerusalem to Syria, Greece, Italy, Egypt, and beyond!" Halley's Bible Handbook states, "Within the first generation, the church became established worldwide." When reading the writings of well-recognized Oswald Chambers, we must remember his words were penned at the very beginning of the 20th Century during the early 1900's and still stand true today. The Great Commission remains the same for the 21st century disciple as for the 1st century disciple: tell the true gospel message to all people! We are still called to proclaim the Good News, to "live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."(Colossians 1:10)  - dho

True Gospel - Living the Gospel Series

"This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God's wonderful grace." Colossians 1:6 NLT

The Good News or the "the gospel" is proclaimed today the same as the first century Christian church spread its message. Colossians discusses the truth of the gospel and its outcome of fruitful living. Paul writes this letter to the church in Colosse some 30 or so years after Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Already there are skeptics and critics crowding and distorting the truth of the Gospel message. Paul's letter reinforces the True Gospel of Jesus Christ as the redemption for those who believe. Today, as then, false and inaccurate information attempts to threaten and discredit the Good News. 

The true gospel message will prevail over competing voices, no matter how attractive they seem.    

David Jeremiah

Let's spend the next several weeks trying to understand the "true gospel" and how it impacts culture. One of the themes in Colossians is Christian living. When a person unites with Jesus Christ, the outcome is holy living. Like the first century church, Christians today find themselves surrounded by unrighteous behavior that takes its lead from the world, not from the message of the Good News. Oswald Chambers' words, penned a century ago, still challenge our culture, "There must be a sense of need before your message is of any use. Thousands of people are happy without God in this world." The great lie from the world rests in the myth of "happy" while the True Gospel offers "fruitful living". In responding to the Good News, a person does not find happy but hope - infinite hope! - dho

Designed for Holiness

In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblet and silver platters, 
but waste cans and compost buckets - some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use 
to present any and every kind of gift to His guests for their blessing.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 The Message 

What kind of container can God use? Everyone understands a container is designed for the purpose of holding something. Containers come is all sizes from bags to buckets, cisterns to caissons, pods to pots, vats to vessels, each with its own purpose. Today, we think of containers as holders of physical objects, storage containers or organizers, but in ancient literature, people are commonly thought of as vessels; "their bodies as containers" gives us a new way to consider how God has designed us for holiness.

In my word search, I discover two antique words that are types of containers, alembic and jeroboam. Alembic is an obsolete device consisting of two vessels used for distillation that separates the impurities from a chemical, a purifying and refining process. References to Jeroboam, the first king of the Northern kingdom of Israel, can be found in the Old Testament. Living during the time of Solomon and his defiance of God, Jeroboam becomes a king who creates conspiracies, instigates idol worship and engages in constant conflict with the Southern kingdom of Judah. Two types of containers, one designed for purification contrasted with a bodily container engaged in conflict ~ what kind of container do you want to be?

Warren Wiersbe's commentary describes each Christian as being "a vessel in the great house, but some vessels are defiled and cannot be used." This Scripture explains to us that every house uses various containers, but we should strive to become the kind of container that God can use. This requires Christ, the only refiner and purifier of souls. Without Christ, our vessel is unclean and not useful. In this Scripture, the Greek word skeuos signifies a vessel, container, or instrument that is used in a given activity. Paul challenges each Believer to become a valuable, useful and holy container to be used for God's Glory. God lavishes us with His love and calls us to holiness in Him. There are some who say they know God, but their actions tell a different story. Does your container tell a God-story? ~dho

Consider This?

- Read Romans 5:3-5 (click on verse for link to BibleGateway)

- Describe how God fills "containers" for Christians.

Fresh Start

"I'm speechless, in awe - words fail me. I've talked too much... 

I'm ready to shut up and listen." Job 40:4-5 The Message

As 2017 begins, I make a fresh start, too! For this year, my devotional guide will be Richard Foster's A YEAR WITH GOD, Living Out the Spiritual Disciplines. The divisions focus on the spiritual disciplines and each day begins with Scripture and then Foster's commentary. If you have not read any of Foster's writings, I encourage you to do so. He is most known for Celebration of Discipline but I particularly like Prayer, Finding the Heart's True Home which I have read at least 6 times, each time finding new truths and guarantee it will greatly impact your prayer life. Foster's introduction suggests encouraging "one another to discover the footprints of God in our daily existence, and to venture out with God into areas where we have previously walked alone or not at all."

The aim is not external conformity, whether to doctrine or deed, but the reformation of the inner self - of the spiritual core, the place of thought and feeling, or will and character. Richard Foster

 As the year begins, I too begin again. My heart's desire is to listen to God, to increase my awareness of Him in my daily life. Foster writes in the first devotion to "challenge yourself to look for God in new places." A YEAR WITH GOD stresses, "The Spiritual Disciplines in and of themselves have no merit whatsoever. They possess no righteousness, contain no rectitude. Their purpose - their only purpose - is to place us before God." I do pray that you will find a devotional book for the year or perhaps you will choose several different ones to guide you in contemplating the Scriptures and God's presence in your life. As I study and listen, I will share some of what I hear, learn, and hopefully, put into practical use. -dho

Holy Father,

Open my heart, for I long to hear Your voice. I listen for Your instructions, meditate on Your wonders. I collate my random thoughts and lay them at Your altar. Through the silence, I hear Your whispers of mercy and compassion and tenderness. Inside my longing heart, prayers of praise rise to You. My soul finds satisfaction in the shadow of Your protecting wings that exists nowhere else. Holy Spirit, bring His presence and His peace. Amen.  ~ dho

Another Year!

"Oh, the unspeakable benediction of the 'treasures of darkness'! It is not the days of sunshine and splendor and liberty and light that leave their lasting and indelible effect upon the soul, but those nights of the Spirit in which, shadowed by God's hand, hidden in the dark cleft of some rock in a weary land, He lets the splendors of the outskirts of Himself pass before our gaze."    Oswald Chambers

As another year begs a moment of reflection on its treasures, this quote from Chambers catches my interest. His reference to benediction causes my soul to wonder how often I seek His splendor surrounding my "treasures of darkness". A benediction, an ending for a religious ceremony or service, frequently looks to the future with a blessing of hope and peace or an offering of thanksgiving or praise. Chambers seems to be referring to an end of a season of difficulty, reminding that the deepest marks upon the soul, the most hurtful scars do not come from easy times. These times of darkness often grieve us, leaving the soul with "unspeakable" endings and umimagined grace.

While not trying to dwell on the dark times, my soul hears such grace in knowing that God is with me at all times. Chambers' words clearly depict God's glory coming to us as we struggle "in a weary land". Like God's cloud by day and fire by night dwelling with the Israelites in the wilderness for forty years, God's splendor surrounds us, goes before us, comforts us with His presence. The majesty of God creates a border that envelops our human condition. What glory to behold is ours!

A new year summons each of us into the days and weeks and months to come. How will we consume this time? What will we surrender to God? Who will we employ with our goodwill? Where will we encounter Jesus?  When will our confidence in God be consistent? We have 365 days, 52 weeks, and 8,760 hours to use during this new year. At the end of 2017, what testimony will my life reveal? How will my soul write its benediction? Happy New Year!! I pray that 2017 will be a year of joy and peace in knowing the splendor and majesty of God's presence. - dho

Merry Christmas ~ 2016!

Lord, in this Season of Light ~ May our HOPE reflect His Promise. May our PEACE reflect His Grace. May our JOY reflect His Love. May Everlasting LOVE be born in us again! Amen. ~dho 

"O Holy night . . . He appeared and the soul felt its worth..."

Indescribable Gift

“The Christmas story… begins with

the always coming of Christ.”

Ann Voskamp, The Greatest Gift

“Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations! Son of God and Son of Man!
             Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine.”

In this season of welcoming Christ, we discover more than angels’ revelations or shepherds’ testimonies or magi’s offerings. The coming of Christ begins as a promise and ends with a promise. God promises a Messiah, prophets foretell of the coming of Christ, angels announce the birth of Christ into the world, and Christ promises His coming again. From before time begins and until time ends, the always coming of Christ seeks all peoples with indescribable love!

The coming of Christ marks a permanent place in history’s timeline, marks the beginning of a spiritual transformation for humanity. He comes bringing salvation to all – for kings and outcasts, for rich and poor; Christ‘s love has no preferences for race or gender, for social status or cultural origin. He is not defined by person or place. On that mysteriously, miraculous night, the coming of Christ begins to change the people, one simple shepherd at a time. Good News of great joy for all people comes as a gift of Perfect Love.

This Christmas ~ listen for the peace of Christ in quiet whispers and simple laughter, find His joy in a friend’s embrace, celebrate the love of Christ with sacred songs, and experience everlasting hope in the always coming of Christ. In the New Year, may we live the Christmas story with greater love for others. ~dho

Celebrate the Season of Giving... 

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15

As Christ is reborn in you and in me, let us ask ourselves who else needs this Grace? Will you share the Gospel message of Jesus with others here or throughout the world? What can you give to honor the Prince of Peace?